Unit Outline
BFA391
Applied Taxation
Semester 1, 2024
Donovan Castelyn
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Donovan Castelyn
Email: donovan.castelyn@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
This unit is a compulsory unit in the Accounting Major and is designed to assist you in gaining an understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin taxation law in Australia. This knowledge is used to develop your skills in the interpretation of taxation legislation, case law and rulings, and their application to different business entities and individuals. You will be required to calculate components of taxable income and different types of tax liability.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Interpret relevant legislation, cases, rulings and principles of taxation law in Australia.
2.
Critique the relevant taxation rules, demonstrating knowledge of the connection between case law and legislation.
3.
Apply tax rules and conventions to a scenario to solve a business problem.
4.
Perform income tax, CGT, and FBT liability calculations.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (On Campus)
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Workshop
2-hr workshop, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
1 time per fortnight
Other
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Independent Learning
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Online Class
1-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
1
Weekly
Independent Learning
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics regularly hosts Masterclasses and Industry Engagement and Employability Events, which students are encouraged to attend. Registration and details will be available via the College of Business and Economics channel on the Uni App and/or via your Unit Coordinator
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Online Quiz on Respondus
Week 7
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Assignment
Week 11
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Exam via Respondus
Exam Period
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: Online Quiz on Respondus
Task Description:
The test will provide students with feedback on their progress in the unit. The test assesses understanding of the core material from weeks 1 to 6.
More detail will be provided on MyLO.

Task Length:
2 hours
Due Date:
Week 7
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Locate and interpret fundamental rules relating to the Australian taxation system, including legislative provisions, case law decisions, Taxation Rulings and the role of taxation in social and environmental issues.
LO1
2
Communicate and critique the relevant taxation rules, demonstrating knowledge of the connection between case law and legislation.
LO2
3
Apply tax rules to a problem scenario with a given set of facts to reach a conclusion.
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Assignment
Task Description:
The assignment is an individual assessment task that involves advising a hypothetical client on the preparation of their tax return and providing an explanation on the inclusion or exclusion of the amounts referred to in the facts. The assignment provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during the semester to a practical setting.

This will be a two-part assessment comprising a written component and the preparation of a tax return using the MyGov software. The intention is to enhance both written and digital literacies in pursuit of SDG 4 and promoting you as lifelong learners in class and in your community.

More detail will be provided on MyLO.

Task Length:
2,500 words
Due Date:
Week 11
Weight:
35 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Locate and interpret fundamental rules relating to the Australian taxation system, including legislative provisions, case law decisions, Taxation Rulings and the role of taxation in social and environmental issues.
LO1
2
Communicate and critique the relevant taxation rules, demonstrating knowledge of the connection between case law and legislation.
LO2
3
Apply tax rules to a problem scenario with a given set of facts to reach a conclusion.
LO3
4
Apply legal referencing conventions.
LO3
5
Communicate independently with a hypothetical client or colleague in a clear and coherent written report.
LO3
6
Perform calculations of income tax.
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: Exam via Respondus
Task Description:
The exam will enable you to demonstrate your breadth and depth of understanding across all unit materials. All topics are examinable. An information sheet with details about the exam will be given to you in the last week of the semester and posted on MyLO. You will require a non-programmable calculator for the exam.

The invigilated exam will be completed by you via MyLO and Respondus on a day and time determined by the exams office.

Task Length:
3 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Locate and interpret fundamental rules relating to the Australian taxation system, including legislative provisions, case law decisions, Taxation Rulings and the role of taxation in social and environmental issues.
LO1
2
Communicate and critique the relevant taxation rules, demonstrating knowledge of the connection between case law and legislation.
LO2
3
Apply tax rules to a problem scenario with a given set of facts to reach a conclusion.
LO3
4
Perform calculations including income tax, CGT, and FBT liability.
LO4
5
Perform calculations of the taxpayers' tax liability
LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
The prescribed text in the unit is:
Sadiq, K, Black, C, Hanegbi, R, Jogarajan, S, Krever, R, Obst, W & Ting, A 2021, Principles of Taxation Law, 14th edn, Thomson Reuters, Sydney, NSW.

You will also need access to tax legislation. This is available online or the following publication can be purchased:
Pinto, D, Kendall, K & Sadiq, K 2021, Fundamental Tax Legislation, 29th edn, Thomson Reuters, Sydney, NSW.

The two books will be available as a “pack” at a slightly lower price. Please note that acquiring a current edition of the text is essential for this unit, as tax law changes frequently. Students who use past editions may be at a disadvantage.
 
Recommended reading materials
 
 
Other required resources
In addition to the recommended texts, you may choose to refer to articles from tax journals including:

Australian Tax Forum
eJournal of Tax Research
Journal of the Australasian Tax Teachers Association
The following websites can be useful resources for tutorial preparation and the assignment:
Australian Taxation Office (ATO): www.ato.gov.au/
Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au
ATO Legal Database: www.ato.gov.au/Law/#Law
Australian Legal Information Institute (austlii): www.austlii.edu.au
The Taxation Institute: www.taxinstitute.com.au

The University library has many resources that may be useful to your study in the unit.